His Perfect Bride(55)

"I'm just happy you joined the others for the journey to Stonemede."  Brianna followed her friend, and then sat with her on the bed. "Now tell  me everything I have missed."

Ashley told her of Elizabeth's and Lord Winsler's courtship, as well as  all the gossip skittering around London. It felt comforting to forget  her problems and enjoy a carefree conversation as she and Ashley had  done many times before.

"Now tell me, how have you been?" Ashley directed. "I know you were not  anticipating this life, although you were taken with Lord Stonemede."

"It has actually progressed further than that. I love him."

"Oh, Brianna, I'm so happy for you! It all worked out for the best then."

"I suppose it did," Brianna agreed, smiling weakly.

"You are not happy. Before your wedding, you were acting odd. Is this  what you expected to happen?" Ashley waved a hand toward Brianna as if  her misery was painted across her face.

"In part. I had no idea I would practically be held captive."

"What do you mean?"

"He does not allow me to do anything. The places I'm allowed to visit  are minimal, and I must take a guard with me. I don't know if his reason  is concern for our child, or if he really believes I'm that  untrustworthy."

"Have you discussed this with him?"

"Many times, but he will not budge. The worst part of the whole  situation is with all the restrictions, I'm no longer inspired to  paint."



"I'm so sorry. I honestly thought he was different, that he would be  good for you." Then Ashley's face brightened a little. "Perhaps with  your family here Lord Stonemede will grant you more freedom. Then he  will see you are responsible enough to keep yourself out of trouble.  Once we are gone, there will be no reason to resume his restrictions."

"Maybe," Brianna mumbled, knowing she could not do anything to persuade her husband to change his mind.

However, she did feel Ashley was right about being granted concessions  with her family here. Tomorrow would be a perfect opportunity to test  the theory. Surely he would allow her to take Grace somewhere without  the presence of a chaperone.

Smiling, Brianna thanked Ashley and left to check on the dinner preparations.

Later that night, as she readied herself for bed, she could not help  feeling overwhelming pride for how well the evening had gone. Her first  dinner party as hostess went smoothly, at least by her standards, and  she also received compliments from some of the guests.

Luckily, tomorrow her hostess duties would be light as the gentlemen  were planning a hunting trip. After the ladies settled would be a  perfect opportunity for her to escape with Grace. She only needed a plan  for them.

Over the course of the day, she had kept her communications with her  husband to a minimum, but now she was anxious to hear his thoughts. Ever  since Maude had returned home, Richard had been eyeing her cautiously,  and she wondered what her companion told him.         

     



 

Hearing the expected knock, she turned from her dressing table to face  the door adjoining her bedchamber with her husband's. As usual, he was  clothed in his dressing gown; however, he hesitated in the doorway  instead of approaching her immediately.

"Are you feeling better?" he inquired.



"Yes. I can't say how pleased I am to have my family around me once again. Thank you for allowing this gathering."

"This is your home now. I don't have any complaints to occasional visits  from your family. In addition, my mother is thrilled to have guests.  The dowager house is smaller than she is accustomed to and will not  accommodate grand parties."

"I hope she knows she is welcome here. I'll have to make sure to tell  her so," Brianna assured, not wanting Richard's mother to ever feel  unwelcome.

"Thank you." He entered the room and sat down on the edge of her bed,  his body facing her. Unsure if he wanted her to join him, she stayed  seated.

"Do you believe the party has been a success thus far? I would hate to fail on my first duty as hostess."

"Yes, it has been. I'm positive the entire event will be successful. As a  matter of fact, many of the guests have already offered me compliments  on your proficiency."

"I'm relieved to hear it," she said, then bit her lip. She knew she  should ask permission to go on an outing with her sister, but she was  afraid he would deny her request.

"Is there something you wish to say?"

She sighed. Nothing escaped his scrutiny. "Well, I wondered if during  the hunt, I would be able to spend some time with Grace. Just the two of  us."

"Where were you thinking of going?"

"I have not decided yet. With the planning and details I needed to attend to today, I have not had much time to think on it."

"Once you decide, let me know. I don't have a problem with you spending  time alone with your sister. Consequently, I have informed Maude her  presence would be unnecessary during the duration of our guest's stay."

"Thank you," she breathed, overcome with joy. Smiling widely, she  crossed the room and threw her arms around her husband. His embrace was  warm, and she melted as he drew her closer and brought his mouth to hers  for a soul-searing kiss. At that moment, she forgot about everything  except Richard and how much she loved him.



"Is everything prepared for the hunt?" Richard asked his butler.

"Yes, my lord." Harris sounded insulted by the question, which was not Richard's intent.

"Good. When Lord Merrick awakens, please tell him I would like him to join me in my study."

"I do believe he has already risen. I'll go to him directly."

"Thank you," Richard replied and leaned back in his chair to wait.

Richard knew this upcoming conversation with Greyson was past due.  Although aware of his duty to Stonemede, Richard had been reluctant to  give up his portion of the London club. However, everything had changed  now. After Kirkwood attacked Brianna, he knew the necessity of this next  step. He took his time reviewing his options, and after speaking with  Jonathan, Richard decided to offer his portion to Greyson.

Of the three friends, Greyson had always been the one who spent the most  time at Ravenhurst. His reasons for doing so were personal and  completely different than the other two men. Understanding this,  Jonathan readily agreed with Richard's decision.

The knock on the door was proof of Harris' efficiency, and Richard  smiled as he granted entry. As expected, Greyson walked in behind Harris  wearing a curious expression. With a dismissive nod to his butler,  Richard was left alone with his friend.

"You wished to see me?" Greyson approached the desk.

"Yes. Please have a seat," Richard offered. "I wanted to talk to you about Ravenhurst."



"Oh." Greyson raised his brows. "As far as I know, we are no longer  experiencing any problems. After you discovered Kirkwood's involvement  and put a stop to him, all our troubles vanished."

"I'm glad to hear that, but the daily running of the club isn't the  reason I wanted to speak with you. What I wish to discuss is ownership."

"What about it?" Greyson snapped as he straightened his back and narrowed his eyes.

Richard inwardly shook his head at his friend's assumption that the  discussion arose from a problem with him. Ignoring Greyson's reaction,  he continued as if he didn't notice.

"Since my obligations are now to my estate, I'm interested in selling my  portion of ownership. After discussing it with Jonathan, we both agreed  you should have the option first."         

     



 

"Jonathan agreed with this?"

"Yes. Since we are all equal partners, I didn't feel right about approaching you without obtaining his consent first."

"Did he not have any reservations?"

"No. As a matter of fact, not only did he concur, but he stated it was the wise thing to do."

Greyson paused, studying Richard closely before answering. "I would be  happy to purchase your portion. If Jonathan would rather split it and be  equal partners, I would be amenable to that as well."

"He is leaving the decision to you. From what I understand, he is at  ease with you owning the majority of the club. His only caveat is that  the shares stay between the two of you. If you are unwilling to take the  larger burden, he will assume the remainder of it."

"Then it's settled. I'll purchase your portion in its entirety," Greyson  declared, his satisfaction obvious as he relaxed in his chair. "I  appreciate you trusting me with Ravenhurst, and I guarantee it shall  continue to be successful."



"I have every faith in you. You can have your solicitor draw up the  paperwork, and we will settle everything when Brianna and I are in  London next."

"From the looks of it, you will be returning to London sooner rather than later."

"I assume you are speaking of Elizabeth and Lord Winsler." Richard smiled at the reminder of his sister's happiness.